”Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8New International Version (NIV)
Philippians 4:8 Devotional
Things to think about
In Philippians 4:8, Paul lists the qualities of the “things to think about“. He lists truthfulness (true), nobleness (noble), righteousness (right), purity (pure), loveliness (lovely), and admiration (admirable) as the qualities that our thoughts should exhibit.
Moreover, Paul considers such things (thoughts) as being excellent or praiseworthy. Anything short of this is the direct opposite of Paul’s exhortation.
Consequently, Paul discourages thinking about things that are false, crude, wicked, impure, ugly, and abominable. He knows it is easy to dwell on such thoughts when life is difficult, disappointing, or painful. For men are affected by their environments or prevailing circumstances.
Wisdom for the tough times
Therefore, Paul’s instruction is very important for you and me to follow during tough times. But it is a radical instruction that calls for radical obedience.
Imagine yourself filling your mind with excellent things, especially during your most trying times. And this is not easy to achieve. But this is what God’s instruction involves, actively pursuing the excellent thought life.
We are what we think
Therefore, thoughts are powerful. And therefore what we think determines how we feel and how we live. No wonder the Wise man opined: “As a man thinks, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7). For what we think is what we shall be.
Consequently, the Christian’s thought-life involves thoughts inspired by Scripture, not circumstances. Even though Paul did not mention Scripture specifically, the assumption is that it is the only source for knowing what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Circumstances will give us things that lack excellence and praiseworthiness to think about.
For example, let’s say somebody writes you a bad (negative) message or email and you receive it. You will find yourself thinking about the negative things contained in the message or email. Finally, your mood will change, and you may even start thinking retaliatorily, and your interactions with those around you will change.
God’s Word is excellent in its form and content
Therefore, Paul is in agreement with the Psalmist who declared that “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). That is, God’s Word is excellent just as He is.
Additionally, Psalm 119:9 asks and answers, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word”. Therefore, continually reflecting on God’s Word is one of the most valuable ways we can guard our hearts and ensure we are thinking (pondering) on whatever is excellent (Psalm 19:8). This is what God instructed Joshua to do in Joshua 1:1-9.
Paul is not exhorting us to positive thinking
Finally, Paul is not instructing you and me on positive thinking – false teaching that has infiltrated the Church. Positive thinking is normally coupled with a positive confession. The idea is that your reality is as good as your confession.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, help me capture every thought and make it obedient to Christ according to 2 Corinthians 10:5. I pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Genesis 43-45 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
